Restoration
Projects
Brynhildr
General Comments:
As I do nearly all the work myself I use materials and fittings which I think
are most suitable or which can be adapted. Also, I keep a lookout for things
which may come in useful (an inherited habit!). I have a Davey & Co.
catalogue of the 1920's and it is clear where BRYNHILDR's fittings came from -
how easy it was in those days. Not just in those days, a few years ago a local
galvaniser lost two bollards and Davey & Co. were able to supply identical
replacements. I have recycled as much original timber, and used existing holes
in the structure where possible. I have also used plywood where appropriate
(e.g. for hatch covers and locker bases).
History:
Built 1933 to my later father's order and brief specification. From memory I
think he said the cost was £760 (of which about £100 was for the
engine and £5 for the dinghy - 10 Shillings per foot!) ready for sea. I
still have the dinghy, but rarely use it.
1933 - 1957: West Coast of Scotland
1957: Shipped from Port Glasgow to Sydney, Australia following the families
relocation in 1955.
1957 - mid 1970's: Sydney Harbour, mostly weekend sailing.
Mid 1970's to date - maintenance only initially, then major refit with
occasional use under power. The longest period out of the water has been about
six weeks.
Steering:
Some years ago I increased the efficiency of the rudder by almost eliminating
the gap between rudder and transom, slightly reducing the propeller aperture in
the rudder blade, and tapering the training edge of the blade. I can thoroughly
recommend this for transom hung rudders.
Last year I made a tiller lock, which seems to work well but required a new
tiller. A 10mm nylon hole attached to each toerail, passes through a series of
five 10mm holes or eyes in a fitting built into the tiller about two
handbreadths from the end. Numbering these hole or eyes from one to five:
1& 5 are holes in brass cheek plates recessed into each side of the tiller,
3 is a fixed eye in the centre, and 2 & 4 are eyes on a block which is
moved fore or aft by a rod threaded in a knob (in effect a nut) on the end of
the tiller. Turning the knob, which draws eyes 2 & 4 towards the tiller end
jams the tiller line.
Ballast:
I had thought for a long time that BRYNHILDR was rather tender considering her
hull shape. I have lowered the centre of gravity if the internal ballast. The
effect was noticeable even when moored, confirmed under sail 9th November 2000.
Spars and Standing Rigging:
The spars are original: the boom and gaff were shortened in 1935 when a cloth
was taken off the leech of the mainsail. The mast was unnecessarily tall; I
have taken 2ft-6in off the head and lowered the hounds 5ft (but not the
forestay). Backstays now give additional support to the forestay terminating
just inboard of the toerails about 5ft 6in aft of the mast on travellers on a
stainless steel bar, controlled from the cockpit. I studied published designs
and many books, from Dixon Kemp and Claud Worth to Tom Cunliffe before making
any changes.
Sails:
A new polyester mainsail, not as high peaked as the original, is now in use,
and a 1960's flax staysail. I have fitted two of the original three tan cotton
jibs with hanks. A stay, to which a jib is now hanked, is attached to a
bowsprit traveller. The geometry of the rig enables the stay to be set up taut
by the outhaul. The jib can be set, or lowered and held down by a downhaul,
from the mast. The jibs never had as much use as the other sails; even after
sixty seven years they still have a pleasant aroma when warmed by the sun.
Running Rigging:
All halyards and sheets (except headsails at present) are synthetic. Headsail
halyards are low-stretch rope; small winches for these have been fitted to the
boom gooseneck mast bands. The throat halyard now has a single block with
becket at the gaff instead of a double, which gives the same purchase as peak
halyard. Coiling away after setting sail is now much quicker.
The above is a brief outline of some of the work done so far. If any members
would like additional information, whether mentioned here or not, they are
welcome to contact me direct.
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